Dietitian Per Diem

DescriptionAt Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

Outpatient Counseling

Reports to the Clinical Nutrition Manager and coordinates with practice managers as needed

Performs the following functions

Patient scheduling and registration

Medical record review and documentation

Accurately assesses patient nutritional status by reviewing medical history, medications, laboratory parameters, eating habits and weight history

Develops rapport and uses effective education and counseling techniques

Interviews patients and/or family members to obtain information on nutrition habits and preferences.

Assesses level of nutritional knowledge and provides appropriate nutrition education and information

Follows protocols and policies

Collaborates with physicians, PAs, APRNs, nurses, and other providers to recommend, implement and coordinate care

Obtains or develops appropriate patient educational materials and uses appropriate teaching aides (i.e. food scales, food models, labels)

Documents patient’s reported motivation and adherence to established goals

Ensures referral forms are obtained for all outpatient MNT visits

Practices high reliability standards and escalates patient safety concerns

Communicates with Clinical Nutrition Manager regarding system, or patient challenges, and aids in troubleshooting problems

Makes recommendations for improvement of services and participates in quality improvement projects

Provides community lectures or classes (ie senior center)

Assists with planning and implementation of inpatient services as needed

Assists in the development and implementation of nutrition services, nutrition education materials and related services for patients with a wide variety of conditions

Accurately assesses patient nutritional status by reviewing medical history, medications, laboratory parameters, eating habits and weight history

Reviews physicians’ orders concerning therapeutic nutrition needs for each patient and makes or recommends changes as appropriate

Interviews patients and/or family members to obtain information on nutrition habits and preferences. Assesses level of nutritional knowledge and provides appropriate nutrition education and information

Understands and consistently utilizes therapeutic nutrition protocols appropriately to maximize nutrition care

Clarifies diet or supplement order discrepancies as required

Includes religious, cultural and ethnic factors, as well as patient’s/resident’s wishes when completing nutrition assessments. Includes family or caregiver input where appropriate

Documents in the EMR in accordance with department policies and procedures

Confers with physicians, PAs, APRNs, nurses, other providers and food and nutrition staff to recommend, implement and coordinate care

Based on a patient’s medical condition and treatment plan, provides timely and appropriate advice for nutrition support. Assists in discharge planning for patients going home on TFs or TPN

Is able to recommend total parenteral nutrition (TPN) macronutrients and electrolyte requirements. Remains aware of drug shortages pertaining to TPN and nutrition

Suggests appropriate tube feeding (TF) and method of administration. Recommends or writes TF orders per protocol

Conducts audits or quality improvement studies as assigned

Practices high reliability standards and reports patient safety concerns

Remains up to date with new developments in nutrition and dietetics

• Obtains continuing nutrition education in topics relevant to job per CDR requirements.
• Submits recommendations for changes and improvements in clinical nutrition policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Remain familiar with standards and updates in assigned cross-coverage areas.
• Serves on interdisciplinary committees to promote nutrition care. Relays pertinent information back to the department manager.

QualificationsEducational / Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition. Minimum of 1 year of clinical or outpatient experience preferred.

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements

Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist with State of Connecticut or certification eligible.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements

General orientation at time of hire. Yearly review of Fire/Safety/Infection, etc. as well as other competencies as assigned.

Special Requirements

Registered Dietitian (R.D.) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Physical Requirements

Included but not limited to: walking, standing for up to 2 hours at a time, sitting, climbing stairs, looking at a computer monitor.

Work Environment

Works primarily on patient units and/or an office setting.

Cognitive Requirements: Ability to read and write in English. Proficient in MNT, nutrition and disease management as well as knowledge of enteral formulas and TPN selection and management or counseling skills depending on job duties. Ability to provide clear and effective verbal and written communication. Able to make accurate decisions based on clinical knowledge and follow department standards, policies and procedure. Ability to converse with other medical professionals as well as develop and deliver presentations on nutrition topics.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.